Married, ex-Episcopalian ordained a Catholic priest in California

modbee ^ | 2-10-06

[LouAvul]

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (AP) - A former Episcopalian priest who converted to Catholicism became the first married cleric ordained in the Diocese of San Bernardino under an unusual provision.

As his wife and two children looked on at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Gregory Elder was ordained into the Roman Catholic clergy Friday through a rarely invoked exemption to Canon Law called the Pastoral Provision.

"I'm humbled, it's an honor, and only God could have made this happen," Elder told The Associated Press. "I didn't leave the Episcopal Church because I was mad at them. I wanted to join the church of history. I love my Episcopal friends."

Since 1983, about 80 former Episcopal priests in the United States have been ordained as Catholic priests through the provision, said the Rev. William Stetson, director of the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C.

About 43,400 Catholic priests reside in the United States, according to the center.

"The provision is very unusual, because priests are asked to be celibate, are asked not the marry. This is definitely the exception to the rule, because with the Pastoral Provision, you get to stay married," said the Rev. Paul Granillo, spokesman for the San Bernardino diocese.

Approved by the late Pope John Paul II, the provision requires eligible Episcopalian candidates to convert to Catholicism and find a bishop to sponsor them.

[SouthCarolinaKit]

What's the big deal? My former parish had a married priest who'd been a convert but already married, in the '80's.

[onyx]

I have no problem with this at all.

[floridaobserver]

Where's the so-called principles of the Catholic Church? This is an outrage. Either let priests be married or don't, but don't play games here with Gods' word.


This reminds me of the marriage nullification legalities.

[sinkspur]

I wanted to join the church of history.

The vast majority of Catholics wouldn't have a problem with those who are already members of the church of history, though married, being allowed candidacy for the priesthood, too.

[CheyennePress]

This has been around forever. Orthodox priests can convert, as well.

[A.A. Cunningham]

This is definitely the exception to the rule, because with the Pastoral Provision, you get to stay married," said the Rev. Paul Granillo, spokesman for the San Bernardino diocese.

However, should the wife precede her husband in death he then must adopt the discipline of celibacy for the remainder of his life.

[sinkspur]

Where's the so-called principles of the Catholic Church? This is an outrage. Either let priests be married or don't, but don't play games here with Gods' word.

Well, outrage is a bit harsh. But it makes little sense that married Protestants can convert and be ordained to the Catholic priesthood, but married Catholics cannot.

[RobbyS]

This is letting married men be ordained, not letting priests who promiosed to be celibate to marry. In any case. the exceptiosn are being applied mainly to former Episcopal clergy. Their church is breaking up, in case you didn't know.

[A.A. Cunningham]

The imposter appears.

[onyx]

This isn;t new. But do rave on.

[NYer]

Where's the so-called principles of the Catholic Church? This is an outrage. Either let priests be married or don't, but don't play games here with Gods' word.

The principles of the Catholic Church are sound and intact! In fact, the Catholic Church allows for a married priesthood in the Eastern Catholic Churches and, in this instance, for converts.

The Latin Church adheres to the words of St. Paul.

"But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please [his] wife. There is difference [also] between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please [her] husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction." - 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

The Latin Rite priest takes a vow of celibacy - freely chosen, to follow in the footsteps of our Lord, who was not married.

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[bayourant]

Plus this will happen more often. Esp since Catholics and the Orthodox are in a behind the scenes battle to get these Priest and their congregations since the current Espicopal Church is on its way to full Schism with the rest of the Anglicans

[NYer]

The vast majority of Catholics wouldn't have a problem with those who are already members of the church of history, though married, being allowed candidacy for the priesthood, too.

The "vast majority of catholics" are clueless about the history of priestly celibacy.

For the benefit of non-catholics, here is the Catholic Church's teaching on the subject.

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says on "Celibacy of the Clergy:"

1579. "All the ordained ministers of the Latin Church, with the exception of permanent deacons, are normally chosen from among men of faith who live a celibate life and who intend to remain celibate 'for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.' [Mt 19:12 .] Called to consecrate themselves with undivided heart to the Lord and to 'the affairs of the Lord,' [1 Cor 7:32 .] they give themselves entirely to God and to men. celibacy is a sign of this new life to the service of which the Church's minister is consecrated; accepted with a joyous heart celibacy radiantly proclaims the Reign of God. [Cf. PO 16.]"

1580. "In the Eastern Churches a different discipline has been in force for many centuries: while bishops are chosen solely from among celibates, married men can be ordained as deacons and priests. This practice has long been considered legitimate; these priests exercise a fruitful ministry within their communities. [Cf. PO 16.] Moreover, priestly celibacy is held in great honor in the Eastern Churches and many priests have freely chosen it for the sake of the Kingdom of God. In the East as in the West a man who has already received the sacrament of Holy Orders can no longer marry."

1599. "In the Latin Church the sacrament of Holy Orders for the presbyterate is normally conferred only on candidates who are ready to embrace celibacy freely and who publicly manifest their intention of staying celibate for the love of God's kingdom and the service of men."

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"Virgins, by the laying aside of all carnal affection, are imitators of God. For, if a man be only in name called holy, he is not holy; but he must be holy in everything: in his body and in his spirit. And those who are virgins rejoice at all times in becoming like God and His Christ, and are imitators of them." - Pope St. Clement of Rome ("Epistle Concerning Virginity" 1st century A.D.)

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"The holy look of virginity is precious indeed in the judgment of all who make purity the test of beauty; but it belongs to those alone whose struggles to gain this object of a noble love are favoured and helped by the grace of God." - St. Gregory of Nyssa ("On Virginity" 4th century A.D.)

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COMMENTS

Though it is not "forbidden" for the clergy to marry in the Christian religion, it is strongly recommended that one does not marry, if one is to be a priest or minister. I have read how Protestant minister's families have interfered in their religious duties. A Catholic priest does not have these concerns and can give God's work first priority.

[taxesareforever]

I'll bet the Catholic church will never make a move for sainthood for anyone who was married in the priesthood.

[msnimje]

Either let priests be married or don't, but don't play games here with Gods' word.

God said priests could not be married??

[NYer]

it makes little sense that married Protestants can convert and be ordained to the Catholic priesthood, but married Catholics cannot.

Sure they can, in the Eastern Catholic Churches. Why do you insist on misleading these posters with your own prejudices?

[NYer]

Plus this will happen more often. Esp since Catholics and the Orthodox are in a behind the scenes battle to get these Priest and their congregations since the current Espicopal Church is on its way to full Schism with the rest of the Anglicans

I have seen no evidence of this. The Catholic Church does not proseletize other christians. If anything, the mood has been one of "just be the best (filll in the blank with the denomination name) you can be".

[AnAmericanMother]

You lose.

Saint Peter.

[bayourant]

I am seeing evidence of it. Esp on the major blogs like the pontifications and titusonline where its often discussed. If some local Catholic Diocesees are not doing this or at least trying to tell these parishes there welcome there insane. The ORthodox of the Anitiochean rite seem to be doing a full court press on some congregations.